EDUCATION FOR A CIVIL SOCIETY

Childhood educators have a large role in helping children grow to reach their full learning potential and in shaping them to become strong citizens. Through teacher leadership and developmentally appropriate practices, children can develop the life skills needed to truly thrive and make a difference in our society. This is what author and early childhood educator, Dan Gartrell, teaches in his 2012 book " Education for a Civil Society: How Guidance Teaches Young Children Democratic Life Skills“ — breaking down the fundamental ways educators can aid in encouraging young minds to think through issues, problem solve effectively and positively engage in our democratic society.

“There are five democratic life skills that provide a model for the holistic education and development of children, guiding them along a continuum from showing resilience in the face of trauma to demonstrating ethical and intelligent decision-making as members of society.”

Check out Dan’s latest blog feature that focuses on each of the life skills and how they can be taught and modeled in the classrooms.

CONFRONTING RACISM TO OPEN UP CHILDREN'S POTENTIAL

Today’s research continues to show how racism—whether overt or invisible to those who are not affected directly—can negatively influence the well-being of children and their families. Understanding how these stressors affect their health and development provides a necessary framework for new ideas about how communities, policies, and programs might confront and dismantle these inequities and build a stronger future for us all.

Harvard University’s Center for Developing Child released a brief that breaks down the harmful effects of racism and discusses the need to create policy solutions to address the source of its various forms.

BETTER TOGETHER

BUILD A BETTER TOMORROW

Our country’s reckoning with systemic racism and white supremacy over the past year has shown just how important it is to start talking with children about race in their earliest years. Sesame Street in Communities provides a number of resources and tips for developing children’s understanding, curiosity, resilience, and empathy - and to prepare for the task of building a better world by standing up, standing tall, and standing together.